Argentina reach last 16, Poland advance despite defeat

Lionel Messi saw his spot kick saved but Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez scored goals to ensure Argentina a dominant 2-0 victory over Poland that took the two-time winners to the World Cup last 16 at Stadium 974.

While Argentina ended as Group C winners, Poland also advanced to the Round of 16 despite a listless performance yesterday. The Robert Lewandowski-led side edged Mexico – who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 – on goal difference as both teams ended the group stage with four points each. 

Lionel Scaloni’s men will now meet Group C runners-up Australia on Saturday while Poland face defending champions France in the Round of 16 a day later.

Argentina’s victory against Poland wrapped up their remarkable comeback in the group stage after they suffered one of the biggest World Cup shocks losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening match. The defeat followed a euphoric 2-0 win against Mexico.  

“We went out there thinking we had to win,” Messi said after the win over Poland.

“The game against Australia will be difficult — anyone can beat anyone. It’s very even and we have to prepare for the game in the best way, as always,” he added. 

Yesterday, it looked a one-sided affair right from the start as Argentina came out with guns blazing pressing for goals, taking almost a dozen of shots on target in the match. 

But they saw Messi missing a spot kick six minutes before half-time with Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny making a brilliant save by diving to his left. 

“I’m angry at missing that penalty but the team came out stronger after my mistake. We knew that once the first goal went in it would change the game,” he said. 

Mac Allister broke the stalemate in the 46th minute after the two-time winners had six shots on target in the first half. 

“We were trying to score the whole time and I think we’re back to being the team we used to be,” said Mac Allister.

“We controlled the ball more, we were calm and we didn’t get desperate. We played a great match,” he added. 

Alvarez, who was starting for the first time after two substitute appearances at this World Cup, sealed the victory for Argentina, scoring in the 67th minute after receiving a ball from Enzo Fernandez. 

Meanwhile, the missed penalty apart, Messi clearly outshone Lewandowski with his fiery runs as the Pole remained isolated up top. 

“It was not a match for a striker but I knew it would be like this,” Lewandowski said. “For me, for the Poland team, given the possibilities we have, it was a success.”

Messi – unmarked at times - had taken two shots on target inside the first ten minutes with Szczesny stopping both his shots. He also picked Marcos Acuna twice inside the box but the Sevilla player failed to score with an off target shot and a weak header. 

Di Maria almost put Argentina ahead with a brilliant corner kick, which was swinging all the way into the net before Szczesny tipped the ball over the bar. 

Argentina won a penalty after Szczesny, while trying to block a Julian Alvarez ball for Messi, had a slight contact with the PSG star, with VAR awarding the penalty to the Argentine. 

But Juventus goalkeeper, who also blocked a penalty against Saudi Arabia, comfortably denied Messi, whose hit wasn’t very convincing. 

After a goalless first half, Mac Allister handed Argentina the lead only seconds after the break connecting a cross inside the box from Nahuel Molina.     

Poland responded with an attempt immediately but Kamil Glik’s header following a corner kick just missed the target. 

Alvarez doubled the lead smashing the ball into right corner sparking wild celebrations in the stands.

The Manchester City striker could have scored his second goal after sneaking into the box but his shot went over the right corner as Argentina missed more opportunities late in the match. 

Poland returned happy not to concede further goals as they advanced through the group stage for the first time since 1986. 

“No-one will remember what this match was like — we will just be getting ready for France,” said Lewandowski.